Trackage
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Superelevations Techniques
Here’s a question from Online Train Club Member Tyrone:
“I am just beginning to lay track on my latest HO layout. I am using flextrack because I find it easy. My question is whether or not it is necessary for me to super-elevate my curves? If the answer is yes, then how should I do it? Also, would I use easements into my curves? This is my second layout and I never did any of the above with my previous layout, and didn’t have any major problems.”
The ASK A QUESTION link is under every post if you have a question you would like published.
Track Radius Question
Allan has an HO scale question for readers:
“I am finally going to make a start on layout, but my question is how much base board is required for a 22 inch radius track? I have to hang the base on a garage wall with a hinge system. My new home is limited in space so height of layout is limited to 160mm or 6 inch for rises and tunnels. I hope it works.”
To post a question please use one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this blog where you will find the submission form and the editorial guidelines.
Shorting Out on Peco Code 100 Turnout
Brian has OO gauge and has this question for knowledgeable readers:
“When joining turnouts running with 12v DC together in a string the locos frequently short out the supply to the track. It would appear to be at the point where one or the other of the loco pick ups crosses a certain part of the turnout. Is this something that can be cured by wiring adjustments?
Add your answer using the COMMENTS link below.
Locos Halting at the Same Spot on the Layout – Why?
Dale asks readers this:
“First, I’m just in the process of building a 10’X 16′ HO layout. I have an BLI Big Boy that, besides causing a short at switches, seems to halt and restart at the same section of track, mostly on curves, but not always. The condition is worse when pulling 26 cars. It also is running at about 1 amp. I’ve cleaned the track over and over, but it does not make a difference. The engine is only about two weeks old. Could the track itself have faults in it? I check it with the voltmeter and it always shows about 13v, sometimes dropping to 10v. I’m using an NCE Power Cab. with incline circuit protection with light emitting fuses. However, my smaller Pacific 4-6-2 does not hesitate even under the same load. Engine trouble? And, how do you prevent shorts at switch frogs? Thanks.”
If you have a model railroading question you would like published on this blog – simply follow the directions outlined when you click the ‘Ask a Question’ tag below. Priority will be given to well worded, well thought through questions that assist readers in clearly understanding the nature and details of the problem you want to solve. The best questions usually attract the best answers. Also, please check your questions for spelling and grammar prior to submission as we strive to provide the best quality experience for our readers.
Distance Between Rails in a Boxcar Depot
Greg is into HO and asks readers:
“I was looking at pictures from boxcar depots from the 40s and 50s and noticed that the car are very close between tracks, and that there were multiple tracks between docks. It looked like the cars were lined up so the doors could be opened between cars and multiple trains could be unloaded at once. If so, what would the distance between tracks be? Was this a common practice? Any information would help in designing a switching layout similar to Union Station and the L & N Building in Louisville, KY in the 50s.”
Running OO Gauge on HO Scale Code 83 Track
Jim sent in this question for readers:
“I’m looking at buying some OO gauge from England. Will there be any issues running on HO scale code 83 track? The locos will be DCC on the track as well as turn outs. Any help would great thank you.”
Do you have model railroading question you would like our Blog Moderator to consider for possible publication? If so, you can submit your question using any one of the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ links found on this blog. Please carefully check and proofread your question(s) before submitting. Questions need to be clear and have sufficient information providing enough details to prompt the best quality answers.
Are HO Trains More Reliable To Run Than N Scale?
Mike has this interesting question for readers:
“I am wondering if N scale track is more likely to cause loco hesitation and stoppig than HO? I am ready to tear out and sell then go to HO. I don’t run trains daily but the layout is in a heated and cooled interior room and shouldn’t need cleaning from one week to the next. I have used everything but goo gone or WD 40. No I haven’t bought the expensive brass car.”
Can I Operate Locomotives Purchased in the USA on European Track?
Paul has this question for readers:
“I’m looking to purchase N scale locomotives on ebay in the United States. Can these be operated on European track? If not, what needs to be done to make them run on European track?”
Altering Train Layout Configuration
Patricia has an N scale layout and asks:
“I have my dad’s train set which I have had since before his death in 2002. It is on a 3’x8’piece of plywood with mountains and buildings. The central part of the display is a mining town and this takes most of the display. On one end is a very small New England town and the other end has a more modern residential area. The mountains are along the rear 8′ length. My dad was very creative and he made the mountains. The two residential area are slightly elevated over the mining area and have a Styrofoam base. Because of the space the train occupies, I have been trying to think of a way to make the display take less space, possibly by moving the two cities upward to a higher level, but this would entail redesigning the track. I have never actually worked on a model train set and I have no idea how to proceed. Also, there may be a time in the future when the train has to be moved again and I would like for it to be somewhat more portable. We had to rent a U-Haul to move it to my house. Any ideas”
How to Install Guard or Check Rails
Andy models HO and asks readers:
“Guard or check rails are parallel rails on the inside of the wheel carrying rails; they help prevent derailments, especially on bridges and in tunnels. I seldom see them used on model railroads. Has anyone found an easy way to install them? In particular, I’m looking for a way to add them to Marklin C track.”
Switch Tracks Side To Side
Eric models N Scale and asks:
“I was watching a video and I saw a layout that instead of a round table had a table that moved side to side to switch tracks. Does anyone know what this is called and if I can get one somewhere for my layout?”
Laying Flex Track On Incline Risers
Nigel asks readers:
“I am into British 00 gauge-1:76 scale and want to know if you can help me out laying flex-track,on the ‘Woodland Scenics’ incline/riser set. Joining the fishplates to each of the rails, also the best way to open the fishplates wider to fit on the rails. Can some advise please?”
3 Way Electro Points Conversion
N gauger Frank asks:
“Can I convert 3 way electro points to run as a insulfrog?”
Helix Construction
Reader Bob models S scale and asks:
“I have an open helix to a shelf at the moment. I would like to cover the core of the helix and make it look like the train is climbing a mountain. The helix has a flat circular top to finish off too. What would be a couple of methods to accomplish this?”
What the Best Way to Clean Track?
Roy posted this question:
“What is the best way to clean track – a track cleaning wagon, a rubber, or white spirit please?”
Problems Laying Flexi Trax
HO hobbyist Andrew asks readers this:
“I am having problems laying the flexi track especially curving it… and using the flexible track underlay. How do I lay the flexi track on the underlay on corners?”
MTH Real Track 0 54 Isssues
Alan has O gauge and posts this question to readers:
“Have been setting up two tracks under the tree for 18 years, outer loop 072 curves for premier engines and o54 with switches for inner loop. For the life of me, cannot get the O54 loop to match up with even numbers of curves and straights. Feel retarded.”
15 Inch Track Curves
Jim models HO and asks:
“I have a curve in my main line that is only 15 inches so are there any passenger cars that can handle that? And if so where can I buy them?”
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